Our name inspires us to empower a community to welcome and care for people harmed by clergy sexual abuse.
So, why Bethany?
We are named for the Bethany, a village east of Jerusalem and the home of Jesus’ friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Bethany frequently surfaces in the bible as a place where Jesus found deep renewal through these friendships.
It was also here that Jesus called his friend Lazarus forth from a tomb and asked those present to unwrap his burial cloths so that he could be free.
In Bethany, people came forward to do for one another, to do the practical things that are needed in the moment. These actions brought comfort, support, and healing.
Living Up to the Name
Bethany inspires Journey to Bethany to accompany, serve, and care for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. It inspires an accompaniment model that brings all of us – the Body of Christ – together to serve and care for survivors just as Jesus’ friends cared for one another. From the beginning we have sought to “marshal the gifts of all the faithful in the journey to healing and restoration.”
Many people in our diocese have expressed concern for survivors and want to help. At the same time survivors have trusted us with their needs. It is our mission to find ways to connect the two.
Which brings us to the camel
This work is not straightforward.
This picture of the gate to the garden in Bethany was taken by a friend on a 2022 visit to the Holy Land. A visitor here would need to navigate around a car, a booth, and a camel before they find Bethany. We need to take time to listen for needs, discover talents and resources, create programs and try new ones.
And that’s ok; that’s the Journey part. We take our time and learn from survivors as we go.
Bethany, Israel – Church of St. Lazarus, commemorating the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, Jesus’ friends.
